Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions were still needed towards the end of the market, which will now have Edu occupied in the winter window in January.
Two positions seem to be the main targets for the Gunners, as Edu has reportedly been chasing players in the midfield and wing areas. It looks as though the Brazilian is prioritising the wide areas at Arsenal amid strong links to players in this position.
The Gunners have already suffered major disappointment in the current window as Chelsea stole a deal for Edu’s main target in Mykhaylo Mudryk. But, Edu has four alternatives that will soften the Mudryk blow.
Read More: Edu targets Eden Hazard January transfer amid Arsenal's two Mykhaylo Mudryk rejected bids
Moussa Diaby
Earlier last season, SportBILD reported that Arsenal identified Diaby as the player who could be the ideal Pepe replacement. Bayer Leverkusen reportedly asked for €100million (£84million) for the French International. BILD added that should Diaby force a move elsewhere, the figure could drop to €75million (£63million) instead.
The Frenchman has scored two goals in Europe this season. His most recent strike against European powerhouses Atletico Madrid proved pivotal as it kept Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of remaining in Europe alive going into the last matchday, as they managed to qualify for the Europa League knockout stage.
The 22-year-old also enjoyed a strong season last campaign, having scored 17 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.
Wilfried Zaha
According to the Daily Mail, Wilfried Zaha could reject new contract talks and leave Crystal Palace in the upcoming transfer window. The winger is reportedly looking for a move to a top-six club.
Zaha has proven throughout the last five seasons that he is one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League and has helped Crystal Palace to become an established top-flight side.
A deal between the winger and the Gunners could certainly be possible instead of him of moving to Chelsea as a video emerged on social media of Zaha being interviewed by Italian journalist Alessandro Schiavone in 2017. And when asked which team the Palace star supported as a child, he said: "Arsenal. Still do."
Rafael Leao
The Portuguese attacker had 13 goals and seven assists for Milan last season, and would certainly add more quality to Arsenal’s frontline. What makes him more of a desirable signing is that he can feature on either the wing position or as a lone forward, which highlights his versatility.
Speaking to RDPAfrica via Fabrizio Romano, Leao said: “Experience in a new league? Yes, in the future… but now I’m 100% focused on AC Milan — it’s a top club and I’m under contract there. I like the city too.
"I watch many games. This year, I like Arsenal — they’re playing very well."
Eden Hazard
Another reported option for the Gunners is Eden Hazard from Real Madrid. Arsenal appear interested in signing the former Chelsea player during the January transfer window, and have even made contact with Real Madrid about a potential move this month, according to a report from Media Foot.
Despite his affinity to Chelsea, Hazard has even previously admitted that he was an admirer of Arsenal growing up. he said: "When I was little, the team I watched the most was the French national team. For me, the players I looked up to were Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.
"It's difficult for me to admit because of my relationship with Chelsea, but I really liked the Arsenal team at the time. They had players like Robert Pires, [Sylvain] Wiltord, and [Patrick] Vieira, so it was mainly French players that I followed growing up."
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